Dia: Day & Sunset Cruise with Menu by Greece’s Top 100 Chef

This Dia Island cruise is interesting because it mixes a big, comfortable sailing day with a real chef-led meal, not the usual stop-and-go boat food. I love the largest catamaran setup for lounging and water time. I also love that the menu is handled by Chef Giorgos Chronakis, with fresh, organic Cretan ingredients.

The one real drawback to consider is that the trip depends on weather, and it may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are unfavorable. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users, since you will be moving around the boat and getting in and out for activities.

Key things to know before you sail to Dia Island

• Largest catamaran in the area with lots of room to spread out, including shaded spots and comfy lounging areas
• Chef Giorgos Chronakis menu plus a platter on arrival, with unlimited white wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Real water activities: snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and even fishing gear
• Relax mode on deck with music, plus free Wi-Fi to keep you connected
• Thoughtful crew service highlighted by name in feedback, including hosts like George, Kostas, Angie, Costas, Mathius, and Rauqela

Meeting at Marineli 2, right by Koules

You start at Marineli 2 in Heraklion, at the entrance of Rocca a Mare, the Venetian Fortress also known locally as KOULES. When you arrive, look for the crew member wearing a Cyma Sails t-shirt, they meet you right at the entrance area. There is also an ATM nearby, which is handy if you still need cash for extras.

Arriving early helps. You will want a quick moment to get settled, meet your crew, and grab what you need before the sailing portion begins. For many people, the easiest mindset is simple: treat this like a floating day off, and let the boat handle the schedule.

A floating resort feeling on the biggest catamaran

This trip is built around one clear idea, comfort at sea. You are on the largest and most luxurious catamaran in the area, which matters because you are not constantly bumping into people while you hunt for shade, photos, or a place to dry off between activities.

On board, you get the basics that make a cruise feel higher-end: music, free Wi-Fi, and a deck made for lounging. You also get life jackets, safety instructions, and certified first aid support. The vibe is relaxed, but the safety side is handled with real structure, including liability insurance.

The sail out of Heraklion and the Dia Island approach

After a quick pass near Rocca a Mare Fortress and a short scenic window from shore, you settle into the main sailing time. From Heraklion Port, the ride toward Dia Island takes about an hour, and that time is long enough to feel the boat move from city to open water.

Along the way, you get visual payoff without needing to work for it. You can look out over the Cretan coastline, grab photos, and get a feel for how calm the Mediterranean can be when you are far enough from the harbor. Even if you are not into boats, this segment is a nice mental reset.

Dia Island time: swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and fishing gear

Once you reach Dia, you have a substantial block of time ashore-by-water, about 3.25 hours. The schedule gives you options instead of forcing one “everyone do the same thing” moment.

Start with the water. You can go snorkeling with provided equipment, try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), or join in with fishing using the gear they supply. If you want something lower effort, there are inflatable water toys too, so you can float and hang without feeling pressured to be active.

This island stop also includes a guided tour component, plus time for photos and general relaxing. One practical tip: decide early how you want to split your time. If you want your best snorkeling, go first, then save SUP or fishing for later when you know what the water feels like.

The chef-led menu is the main event, not a side dish

Here is where this cruise turns from nice to memorable: the food program is a centerpiece. You arrive at Dia Island and are welcomed with a platter of premium cheeses and cold cuts. Then the main Mediterranean menu by Chef Giorgos Chronakis comes in, built from fresh, organic Cretan ingredients.

What you can expect on the menu: fresh seafood options, crisp salads, local delicacies, seasonal fruits, and a Cretan dessert to finish. It is served with unlimited white wine, beer, and soft drinks, so you are not stuck rationing drinks or waiting for another “round.”

Dietary flexibility is also part of the promise. You can request vegan options, meat-based dishes, and allergy-friendly meals. Kids meals can be prepared too, and there is even a box of toys for children on board. In other words, this is not only for adults who can eat whatever shows up.

And the service details matter. In feedback, the crew has shown they will adjust things when needed, including swapping options when fish is not the right choice for you, or building a vegan meal when that is your preference. I like that mindset because it turns a menu into an experience you can actually enjoy.

Drinks, dessert, and the kind of pacing that feels right

A good cruise does not just feed you, it paces you. This one keeps the flow easy: arrival snacks on Dia, then the main meal while you are still in a relaxed mood. After you eat, you get fruit and dessert, which means you do not feel like the day ends right after the first plate.

Coffee and tea also show up as part of the welcome experience before you sail, along with other drink options like iced tea. You can stay in “vacation mode” without constantly asking for more. Crew members also tend to keep drinks topped up, based on how service is described by people who went.

If you get a little sun-hit while out on deck, take it seriously. The boat staff have a track record of noticing right away when someone needs shade or extra water. It is one of those small things that makes the whole day feel cared for.

Day cruise versus sunset cruise, and why timing changes the feeling

You have two departure choices. The Day Cruise leaves at 09:00 and returns around 14:30. The Sunset Cruise departs at 15:00 and returns around 20:30.

The day option is for sunbathing plus full water play. With the morning start, you can spread out snorkeling, SUP, and lounging while the light stays bright and predictable. You also get a straightforward schedule that lands you back in Heraklion before your evening turns into a long hunt for dinner plans.

The sunset option is for atmosphere. You sail in the late afternoon, then experience the glow of the sky and sea as you return. In feedback, people talk about sunset sailing as the perfect ending, and the crew often adds comfort touches like blankets on the way back when it gets cooler.

Also keep your eyes open for dolphins. You might be lucky enough to see them swim alongside the boat for a few minutes. When it happens, it turns the return sail into a highlight you did not plan for.

What to bring so you are comfy all 5.5 hours

This is a water-focused cruise, so pack like you expect to get wet and sun-touched. Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and sunscreen. A towel is useful, and a light jacket helps, especially on the sunset sailing when the air cools after the sun drops.

You do not have to overthink it, but you do want to be prepared. When you have shade on board, you will still be outside moving between deck and water time, and sun adds up fast.

Getting your money’s worth on a luxury boat day

This cruise is not trying to be the cheapest boat option in Heraklion. It is leaning into value by bundling the things that usually cost extra or feel low quality on other tours.

Here is why it can feel like good value:

• Big, luxury catamaran comfort instead of a cramped day boat
• Unlimited drinks during the meal time window
• A premium menu designed by Chef Giorgos Chronakis, plus a welcome platter on arrival
• Included water gear for snorkeling, fishing equipment, and SUP
• On-board basics that matter, like Wi-Fi, music, life jackets, and first aid support

If you care about food quality, want real activities (not just looking at water), and like the idea of a boat day that feels polished, this tends to make sense. If you only want a quick swim and you are fine with basic snacks, you might find cheaper options elsewhere.

Who should book this Dia Island cruise

This one fits best if you want a mix of:

• Food-first relaxation, with a chef-led menu that can also work for vegan, meat-based, allergy-friendly, and kids meals (upon request)
• A day of water activities without bringing your own gear
• Comfortable sailing time, with space to lounge and a crew that keeps things running smoothly

It is also a solid pick for birthdays and small celebrations, because the crew has shown they will do thoughtful extras when someone is marking a special day.

Skip it if you need wheelchair access. Since it is not suitable for wheelchair users, you may struggle with movement around the boat and activity areas.

Should you book the Dia Island Day or Sunset Cruise?

I would book it if you want a luxury catamaran day with included drinks, a chef-led meal, and real water time like snorkeling and SUP. The combination of comfort plus a serious menu is the reason this stands out.

I would think twice if weather unpredictability would ruin your plans, since the cruise depends on conditions and can be rescheduled or canceled. Also be honest about your mobility needs, because it is not designed for wheelchair access.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Marineli 2, Heraklion 712 02, at the entrance of Rocca a Mare, the Venetian Fortress (KOULES). A crew member wearing a Cyma Sails t-shirt will welcome you there.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 5.5 hours.

What time does the day cruise start and end?

The Day Cruise sails to Dia Island at 09:00 and returns to Heraklion at 14:30.

What time does the sunset cruise start and end?

The Sunset Cruise departs for Dia Island at 15:00 and returns at 20:30.

What is included for food and drinks?

You get unlimited white wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus a Mediterranean menu designed by Chef Giorgos Chronakis. You are also welcomed with a platter of premium cheeses and cold cuts, with fresh fruits and a Cretan dessert included.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?

Yes. Vegan options, meat-based dishes, and allergy-friendly meals are available upon request. Children’s customized meals can also be provided upon request.